Manchester United legend David Beckham has urged fans to be patient with new owner Jim Ratcliffe, insisting it will take time to turn the club around.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos group acquired control of Manchester United’s football operations from the Glazer family in February.
However, the Red Devils have endured a disappointing start to the season, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and winless in their Europa League campaign.
Mounting pressure has fallen on manager Erik ten Hag, with fans frustrated by the team’s performances. Beckham, a six-time Premier League champion with United, believes fans need to show faith in Ratcliffe’s project.
“I think it definitely needed change,” Beckham said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “Obviously, many fans had said that the club needed a fresh perspective in how it’s run and the decisions that are made.”
Beckham, who also co-owns MLS side Inter Miami, expressed his admiration for Ratcliffe.
“I really like Jim. I’ve met him a few times, and I think he’s a fan and a great businessman. But more importantly, the fans see that he cares, and I think that’s a big part of it.”
He acknowledged the fans’ frustration but stressed the need for patience.
“These things take time,” Beckham said. “We have been quite patient as United fans over the years, but we want those good old days back. The sooner the better.”
Beckham revealed he sought guidance from his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson when founding Inter Miami.
“I went to him and said, ‘I’m starting this team, how would you run it?’ He sat me down and gave me advice on players, the academy, and how to run the club.”
